Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1909 and came of age during the Southern Renaissance literary movement. How does her writing display characteristics of that movement? Are there any characteristics of the movement that most of her writing does not express?

Shortly before he collapses, Bowman feels “[h]e must get back to where he had been before” (118). Despite the cruciality of this line, the narrative leaves its meaning ambiguous. Is there a single interpretation that is superior to others? Why or why not?

Analyze the story’s title and the protagonist’s name. How might Welty’s choices have influenced Arthur Miller’s title and protagonist’s name in his play “Death of a Salesman”? Do the two works share themes, or are they even comparable?